Dow Chemical Co. plant explosion investigation underway

Updated 10:45 am, Friday, January 8, 2016

An investigation is underway into the cause of a chemical explosion at The Dow Chemical Co.’s Rohm and Haas North Andover, Mass., location, that sent four employees to local hospitals.

A Dow spokesperson said Thursday evening that “all employees have been evacuated and the building is secure. Four employees were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment. Families of the impacted employees are being notified.”

An updated statement was provided by Dow Friday afternoon:

“Emergency personnel continue to work at the facility to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met. The cause of the incident is not known at this time. An investigation is proceeding with the full cooperation and participation of the company. There is no risk to the community.”

First responders arrived at the scene on Willow Street in North Andover around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, and OSHA and HAZMAT teams also made their way to the scene, according to a media report from NBC. North Andover is a manufacturing site for Dow’s Electronic Materials business and makes materials for LED chips used in TVs, mobile devices and LED light bulbs.

Town Manager Andrew Maylor said one of the injuries is critical, but the other victims’ conditions were not immediately available.

Dr. George Kondylls, an emergency room physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, told CBS Boston the victims are suffering from burns related to the blast involving the chemical trimethylaluminum. It appears a chemical reaction to water caused the explosion, said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

Maylor told CBS Boston that there is no threat to surrounding residents and businesses.